Description of Occupational Work

This class series uses three levels in the Public Safety occupational group, Investigative Services occupational series and describes forensic investigating to assist in determining circumstances surrounding the death. Investigations include but are not limited to accidents, homicides, suicides, suspicious deaths, and industrial and aircraft disasters. Investigations include conducting interviews, photographing the scene and body, gathering and preserving evidence, and transporting the body.

Note : This career ladder series incorporates levels I and II. The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. The Chief Forensic Investigator, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Investigates circumstances of death at the scene by questioning police, witnesses, medical personnel, and others present; collecting and preserving evidence; photographing the scene and the body.

Conducts background investigations to gather additional information, such as interviewing relatives of the deceased to ascertain medical history, recent health and other pertinent factors concerning the circumstances surrounding the death; contacts decedent’s physician, hospital personnel, dentists, law enforcement, attorneys, and others who may have pertinent information.

Prepares body for transport while preserving body evidence, transports the body to the office, tags and photographs the body in the autopsy room.

Coordinate with a tissue procurement agency, the forensic pathologist, and relatives of the deceased to facilitate anatomical gifts.

Prepares various investigative reports of findings to include statistical data, body condition, body receipts, personal effects receipts, and other forms associated with the disposition of the body.

Testifies in court concerning the circumstances surrounding the cause of death.

May assist in the conduct of autopsies by labeling specimen containers, opening and suturing the body, and cleaning the area and instruments; may take x-rays of bodies.

Levels of Work

Forensic Investigator I

This is the entry level in the series.

Reports to a technical superior; receives close technical guidance in the methods, techniques, and procedures of forensic investigations. Work is reviewed in progress.

Performs the full range of investigative work as described in the Essential Functions.

Contacts include law enforcement, medical personnel, witnesses, and family and friends of the decedent for the purpose of gaining information concerning the cause of death.

Forensic Investigator II

This is the full performance level in the series.

Reports to a technical supervisor. Work is performed independently and reviewed at completion.

Conducts critical reviews of cases, updates procedure manuals, and make recommendations for policies and procedures.

Provides guidance and field training to lower level investigators.

Chief Forensic Investigator

This level is responsible for conducting forensic investigations and supervising forensic investigators statewide.

Reports to an administrative supervisor.

Supervision is exercised over two or more merit full-time positions per the Merit Rules. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

Knowledge of investigative methods, techniques and procedures of forensic investigations.

Knowledge of photographic techniques relative to forensic photography and the photographic equipment.

Knowledge of forensic, medical and legal terminology.

Knowledge of applicable division, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of legal rights and rules of evidence.

Knowledge of civil, criminal or administrative proceedings.

Knowledge of operating a variety of forensic and investigative equipment such as stretchers, cameras, surgical instruments, x-ray machines, computers and related equipment.

Skill in the methods and techniques of evidence gathering and analysis.